A successful, challenging career in the Army all starts with your performance on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery.

How you perform on this test, which is a series of timed aptitude tests, can make all the difference in whether you have a job you enjoy or one you feel stuck in during your enlistment. In addition to that, your test results can determine whether you make it into the Army at all.

Here’s what you need to know:

Once you’ve taken the ASVAB, you will receive a report with your scores. The scores listed in the report are percentages on a scale of 1 to 99 and indicate not how many questions you answered correctly but rather how you compare to other test takers.

For example, a score of 80 percent would mean that when your results are compared to others who took the test you placed in the 80th percentile, or your scores were in the top 20 percent of those who took the test.

On the report, you will see your Armed Forces Qualification Test score as well as your scores in a number of ASVAB subtest categories, including: General Science; Arithmetic Reasoning; Word Knowledge; Paragraph Comprehension; Mathematics Knowledge; Electronics Information; Auto & Shop Information; Mechanical Comprehension; and Assembling Objects.

AFQT Score

Your AFQT score determines your eligibility to join the Army. The AFQT score is based on your performance in the following ASVAB test areas: Paragraph Comprehension, Word Knowledge, Mathematics Knowledge and Arithmetic Reasoning.

The Army currently requires a minimum AFQT score of 31. However, the Army has been known to occasionally approve waivers for those with scores as low as 26.

To qualify for enlistment incentives, including bonuses, you need to score at least a 50 on the AFQT.

ASVAB Subtest Category Scores

Your score on the nine subtests will determine what jobs you qualify for in the Army.

Here’s why: the Army uses various combinations of those subtest scores to create line scores that are used to determine your eligibility for various Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Here are the line scores that the Army uses:

• Clerical (CL) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning and Mathematics Knowledge.

• Combat (CO) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.

• Electronics (EL) – General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronic Information.

• Field Artillery (FA) – Arithmetic Reasoning, Mathematics Knowledge and Mechanical Comprehension.

• General Maintenance (GM) – General Science, Auto & Shop, Mathematics Knowledge and Electronics Information.

• General Technical (GT) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, and Arithmetic Reasoning (AR).

• Mechanical Maintenance (MM) – Auto & Shop, Mechanical Comprehension and Electronic Information.

• Operators and Food (OF) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.

• Surveillance and Communications (SC) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning, Auto & Shop and Mechanical Comprehension.

• Skilled Technical (ST) – Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, General Science, Mechanical Comprehension and Mathematics Knowledge.

At this time, the Army is the only service that looks at line scores and offers a guaranteed job to each new recruit. The other branches of the military offer some combination of guaranteed job or guaranteed aptitude/career area.

The Army does not allow recruits to retake the ASVAB in an attempt to increase their aptitude scores – so be sure to prepare for the test and do your best the first time.

ASVAB and Army Jobs

Jobs in the Army are referred to as Military Occupational Specalties (MOS). The Army organizes your ASVAB subtest scores into groups known as line scores to better determine what MOS you qualify for.  The ASVAB subtests are: General Science (GS); Arithmetic Reasoning (AR); Word Knowledge (WK); Paragraph Comprehension (PC); Numerical Operations (NO); Coding Speed (CS); Auto and Shop Information (AS); Mathematics Knowledge (MK); Mechanical Comprehension (MC); Electronics Information (EI); and Sum of Word Knowledge and Paragraph Comprehension (VE). Note that as Numerical Operations (NO) and Coding Speed (CS) subtests are phased out, some line scores may be changed.

Note:  Use the data listed below as a general guide to see how your ASVAB score can impact the job you qualify for.   Data is subject to change at anytime.

Army Line Scores:

CL – Clerical: VE+AR+MK

CO – Combat: AR+CS+AS+MC

EL – Electronics: GS+AR+MK+EI

FA – Field Artillery: AR+CS+MK+MC

GM – General Maintenance: GS+AS+MK+EI

GT – General Technical: VE+AR

MM – Mechanical Maintenance: NO+AS+MC+EI

OF – Operators and Food: VE+NO+AS+MC

SC – Surveillance and Communications: VE+AR+AS+MC

ST – Skilled Technical: GS+VE+MK+MC

See the table below for Army jobs and the required minimum ASVAB line scores required for each job.

MOS ARMY JOB TITLE Minimum ASVAB Line Scores
02B Cornet or Trumpet Player N/A
02C Baritone or Euphonium Player N/A
02D French Horn Player N/A
02E Trombone Player N/A
02F Tuba Player N/A
02G Flute or Piccolo Player N/A
02H Oboe Player N/A
02J Clarinet Player N/A
02K Bassoon Player N/A
02L Saxophone Player N/A
02M Percussion Player N/A
02N Keyboard Player N/A
02S Special Band Member N/A
02T Guitar Player N/A
02U Electric Bass Guitar Player N/A
02Z Bands Senior Sergeant N/A
11B class=”shaded” Infantryman CO:90
11C Indirect Fire Infantryman CO:90
11X Infantry Enlistment Option CO:90
11Z Infantry Senior Sergeant N/A
13B Cannon Crewmember FA:95
13C Tactical Automated Fire Control Systems Specialist FA:95
13D Field Artillery Tactical Data Systems Specialist FA:100
13E Cannon Fire Direction Specialist FA:95
13F Fire Support Specialist FA:100
13M Multiple Launch Rocket System Crewmember OF:105
13P Multiple Launch Rocket System Operations / Fire Direction Specialist FA:100
13R Field Artillery Firefinder Radar Operator SC:100
13S Field Artillery Surveyor ST:95
13W Field Artillery Meteorological Crewmember EL:95
13Z Field Artillery Senior Sergeant N/A
14E PATRIOT Missile System Enhanced Operator/Maintainer MM:105
14J Early Warning System Operator MM:100 & GT:100
14M Man Portable Air Defense System Crewmember (R) OF:90
14R Bradley Linebacker Crewmember OF:100
14S AVENGER Crewmember OF:90
14T PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer OF:100
14Z Air Defense Artillery Senior Sergeant N/A
15B Aircraft Powerplant Repairer MM:105
15D Aircraft Powertrain Repairer MM:105
15F Aircraft Electrician MM:105
15G Aircraft Structural Repairer MM:105
15H Aircraft Pneudraulics Repairer MM:105
15J OH-58D Armament / Electrical / Avionics Systems Repairer MM:105 & EL:100
15K Aircraft Components Repair Supervisor N/A
15M Utility Helicopter Repairer MM:105
15N Avionic Mechanic EL:95
15P Aviation Operations Specialist ST:95
15Q Air Traffic Control Operator ST:100
15R AH-64 Attack Helicopter Repairer MM:100
15S OH-58D Helicopter Repairer MM:100
15T UH-60 Helicopter Repairer MM:105
15U Medium Helicopter Repairer MM:105
15V Unknown –
15X AH-64A Armament / Electrical Systems Repairer MM:100 & EL:105
15Y AH-64D Armament / Electrical / Avionics Repairer MM:105 & EL:100
15Z Aircraft Maintenance Senior Sergeant N/A
18B Special Forces Weapons Sergeant GT:110 & CO:100
18C Special Forces Engineer Sergeant GT:110 & CO:100
18D Special Forces Medical Sergeant GT:110 & ST:100
18E Special Forces Communications Sergeant GT:110 & SC:100
18F Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant N/A
18X Special Forces Enlistment Option –
18Z Special Forces Senior Sergeant N/A
19D Cavalry Scout CO:90
19E M48 / M60 Armor Crewman (R) CO:90
19K M1 Armor Crewman CO:90
19Z Armor Senior Sergeant N/A
21B Combat Engineer CO:90
21C Bridge Crewmember CO:90
21D Diver GM:100, GT or ST:110
21E Heavy Construction Equipment Operator GM:90
21F Crane Operator GM:90
21G Quarrying Specialist GM:95
21H Construction Engineering Supervisor GM:95
21J General Construction Equipment Operator GM:90
21K Plumber GM:90
21L Lithographer ST:85
21M Firefighter GM:90
21N Construction Equipment Supervisor GM:90
21P Prime Power Production Specialist ST:110
21Q Transmission & Distribution Specialist EL:95
21R Interior Electrician EL:95
21S Topographic Surveyor ST:95
21T Technical Engineering Specialist ST:95
21U Topographic Analyst ST:100
21V Concrete and Asphalt Equipment Operator GM:90
21W Carpentry and Masonry Specialist GM:90
21X General Engineering Supervisor N/A
21Y Topographic Engineering Supervisor N/A
21Z Combat Engineering Senior Sergeant N/A
25M Multimedia Illustrator ST:95 & EL:95
25R Visual Information Equipment Operator – Maintainer EL:110
25V Combat Documentation / Production Specialist ST:95 & EL:95
25Z Visual Information Operations Chief N/A
27E Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer EL:110
27G CHAPARRAL and REDEYE Repairer EL:95
27M Multiple Launch Rocket System Repairer EL:95
27T AVENGER System Repairer EL:100
27X PATRIOT System Repairer EL:110
31B Military Police ST:95
31C Radio Operator – Maintainer SC:100 & EL:100
31D Criminal Investigation Special Agent ST:110
31E Corrections Specialist ST:100
31F Network Switching Systems Operator – Maintainer SC:105 & EL:105
31L Cable Systems lnstaller – Maintainer SC:90 & EL:90
31P Microwave Systems Operator – Maintainer EL:110
31R Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator – Maintainer SC:100 & EL:100
31S Satellite Communication Systems Operator – Maintainer EL:120
31T Satellite/Microwave Systems Chief N/A
31U Signal Support Systems Specialist SC:95 & EL:95
31W Telecommunications Operations Chief N/A
31Z Senior Signal Sergeant N/A
33W Military Intelligence Systems Maintainer / Integrator ST:115
35B Land Combat Support System Test Specialist EL:110
35D Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer EL:105
35E Radio and Communications Security Repairer EL:110
35F Special Electronic Devices Repairer EL:105
35H Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment Support Specialist EL:110
35J Telecommunication Terminal Device Repairer EL:110
35L Avionic Communications Equipment Repairer EL:100
35M Radar Repairer EL:110
35N Wire Systems Equipment Repairer EL:100
35R Avionic Radar Repairer EL:100
35W Electronic Maintenance Chief N/A
35Y Integrated Family of Test Equipment Operator and Maintainer EL:110
35Z Senior Electronic Maintenance Chief N/A
37F Psychological Operations Specialist ST:105
38A Civil Affairs Specialist ST:100
39B Automatic Test Equipment Operator and Maintainer EL:110
44B Metal Worker GM:90
44E Machinist GM:100
45B Small Arms / Artillery Repairer GM:90
45D Self-propelled Field Artillery Turret Mechanic GM:100
45G Fire Control System Repairer EL:95
45K Armament Repairer GM:100
45N M60A1/A3 Tank Turret Mechanic (R) MM:100
46Q Journalist GT:110
46R Broadcast Journalist GT:110
46Z Public Affairs Chief N/A
52C Utilities Equipment Repairer GM:100
52D Power-Generation Equipment Repairer GM:100
52F Turbine Engine Driven Generator Repairer GM:100
52X Special Purpose Equipment Repairer N/A
55B Ammunition Specialist ST:100
55D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist GM:105
56M Chaplain Assistant CL:95
57E Laundry and Shower Specialist GM:85
62B Construction Equipment Repairer MM:90
63A M1 ABRAMS Systems Maintainer MM:100
63B Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic MM:90
63D Artillery Mechanic MM:105
63G Fuel and Electrical Systems Repairer MM:105
63H Track Vehicle Repairer MM:90
63J Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer MM:90
63M M2/3 Bradley Fighting Vehicle System Maintainer MM:105
63N M60A1/A3 Tank System Mechanic (R) MM:100
63S Heavy-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic MM:105
63W Wheel Vehicle Repairer MM:90
63Y Track Vehicle Mechanic MM:105
63Z Mechanical Maintenance Supervisor N/A
67G Utility Airplane Repairer MM:105
68J Aircraft Armament / Missile Systems Repairer MM:100 & EL:95
71D Legal Specialist CL:110
71L Administrative Specialist CL:95
73C Finance Specialist CL:95
73D Accounting Specialist CL:105
73Z Finance Senior Sergeant N/A
74B Information Systems Operator – Analyst ST:100
74C Telecommunications Operator – Maintainer SC:90 & EL:90
74D Chemical Operations Specialist ST:95
74Z Information Systems Chief N/A
75B Personnel Administration Specialist CL:95
75H Personnel Services Specialist CL:95
77F Petroleum Supply Specialist CL:90 & OF:90
77L Petroleum Laboratory Specialist ST:95
77W Water Treatment Specialist GM:90
79R Recruiter NCO GT:110
79S Retention NCO (Active Component) GT:110
79T Recruiting and Retention NCO (Army National Guard) GT:110
79V Retention and Transition NCO (R) GT:110
88H Cargo Specialist GM:90
88K Watercraft Operator MM:100
88L Watercraft Engineer MM:105
88M Motor Transport Operator OF:90
88N Transportation Management Coordinator CL:100
88P Railway Equipment Repairer (R) MM:100
88T Railway Section Repairer (R) MM:90
88U Railway Operations Crewmember (R) MM:95
88X Railway Senior Sergeant (R) N/A
88Z Transportation Senior Sergeant N/A
91A Medical Equipment Repairer EL:110
91D Operating Room Specialist ST:95
91E Dental Specialist ST:95
91G Patient Administration Specialist CL:95
91H Optical Laboratory Specialist GM:100
91J Medical Supply Specialist CL:95
91K Medical Laboratory Specialist ST:110
91M Hospital Food Service Specialist OF:100
91P Radiology Specialist ST:110
91Q Pharmacy Specialist ST:95
91R Veterinary Food Inspection Specialist ST:100
91S Preventive Medicine Specialist ST:105
91T Animal Care Specialist ST:95
91V Respiratory Specialist ST:105
91W Health Care Specialist ST:95
91X Mental Health Specialist ST:105
92A Automated Logistical Specialist CL:95
92G Food Service Specialist OF:90
92M Mortuary Affairs Specialist GM:90
92R Parachute Rigger GM:90 & CO:90
92S Fabric Repair Specialist GM:85
92Y Unit Supply Specialist CL:95
92Z Senior Noncommissioned Logistician N/A
96B Intelligence Analyst ST:105
96D Imagery Analyst ST:95
96H Common Ground Station Operator SC:95 & ST:105
96R Ground Surveillance Systems Operator EL:85 & SC:95
96U Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator SC:105
96Z Intelligence Senior Sergeant N/A
97B Counterintelligence Agent ST:105
97E Human Intelligence Collector ST:95
97L Translator/Interpreter (R) ST:95
97Z Counterintelligence / Human Intelligence Senior Sergeant N/A
98C Signals Intelligence Analyst ST:105
98G Cryptologic Linguist ST:95
98H Communications Locator / Interceptor ST:95
98J Electronic Intelligence Interceptor / Analyst ST:105
98K Signals Collection / Identification Analyst ST:95
98XL Signals / Foreign Language Enlistment Option –
98Z Signals Intelligence Senior Sergeant N/A
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